Hands across the ocean

Two of the world's greatest nations, both of which have serious image problems, last week achieved milestones that raise new hopes for a better, more open and equitable world. After a heated campaign, China's Dr Margaret Chan has won the contest to become WHO's next director general. As Anne Glusker reports (doi: 10.1136/bmj.39034.630926.DB), optimists see this as a chance for China to become more engaged in the war against infectious disease. But much will depend on Chan's willingness to challenge the secrecy of China's political regime.

The United States is also set to undergo a transformation after last …